Otero Sheriff Reports 5 Treated for Heat Injuries in Picketwire Canyon Search & Rescue

Description: The Otero County Sheriff's Office Released the Following Statement Regarding Search and Rescue Operations at Picketwire Canyon in Southeast Colorado...


Published: 06/20/2024
Byline: SECO News

5PM Update: Of the 8 parties, 5 suffered from Heat injuries but were rescued by La Junta Fire and Sheriff's Office staff and treated by medics on scene. 

Otero Sheriff Reports 5 Treated for Heat Injuries in Picketwire Canyon Search & Rescue

Otero County Sheriff Shawn Mobley Reported that Search and Rescue Operations were Underway at Picketwire Canyon South of La Junta just after 3 PM on Thursday afternoon.

Mobley said, the Otero Sheriff's Office and the La Junta Fire Department responded to a report that a party of eight was in need of rescue. 

Initial reports indicated that five individuals were in need of treatment for heat stroke, according to Sheriff Mobley. Medics on scene from Rocky Ford treated five individuals for heat-related injuries after rescue operations were successfully conducted by OCSO and LJFD.

As temperatures reach triple digits in Southeast Colorado it's especially important to stay hydrated and avoid activities during the heat of the day.

From OCSO Social Media:

June 20, 2024, La Junta, CO - At approximately 3:04 pm The Otero County Sheriff’s office was notified of a Search and Rescue in Picketwire Canyon of 8 people.  La Junta Fire Department and OCSO responded to locate the persons. 

Of the 8 parties, 5 suffered from moderate to severe Heat injuries but were rescued by La Junta Fire and Sheriff's Office staff and treated by La Junta and Rocky Ford Fire medics on scene. 

Good ending to this mission, however I would like to remind everyone that if you are going to be enjoying our beautiful outdoor recreation in parts of the country, please bring more water than you think you’ll need.  Weather conditions in the canyons often differ from the terrain above and as the temperature increases, so does the likelihood of heat-related injuries.  Let’s keep safe and stay hydrated out there.  - Sheriff Mobley



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